Connector and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements

ABSTRACT

A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elements each having a groove therein, comprising a support, at least one split tongue extending from the support, the split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging steps located in the groove. During insertion the sub-tongues are flexed toward each other and remain in a partially restored configuration. This, combined with the angled catches, reduces the space between the abutting construction elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/705,593 filed on Feb. 13, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements, more specifically building panels, floating floors, concrete block, concrete brick, concrete tile floors or walls, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Methods and systems for laying and joining building panels is known in the prior art. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,486 to Pervan discloses a locking system for a floorboard having connectors which are integrated with the floorboard and adapted to connect the floorboard with an identical floorboard in a horizontal direction. The connectors consist of a locking strip which projects from the vertical plane of the floorboard and has a locking element which engages a downward open locking groove of the floorboard. The locking strip is a separate part which is mechanically fixed to the floorboard in a horizontal and vertical direction and consists of a machined sheet-shaped material which is made of a wood-based material.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elements each having a groove therein, comprising:

-   -   a support;     -   at least one split tongue extending from the support, the split         tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for         engaging steps located in the groove;         wherein the sub-tongues are flexed toward each other during         insertion of the split tongue into the groove, the sub-tongues         remaining in a partially restored configuration after insertion,         the partially restored configuration and the angled catches         combining to reduce the space between the abutting construction         elements.

The present disclosure also provides a connector as above, wherein the sub-tongues are biased away from each other at rest.

The present disclosure also provides a connector, wherein the split tongue and the grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of the abutting construction elements such that the flexing of the flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to the line.

The present disclosure also provides a connector, wherein the support is configured such as to limit entry of the split tongue into the groove.

The present disclosure further provides a system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements, comprising:

-   -   a first and second construction elements each having therein a         groove containing steps;     -   a connector comprising:     -   a support;     -   at least one split tongue extending from the support, the split         tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for         engaging the steps of the first and second construction         elements;         wherein the sub-tongues are flexed toward each other during         insertion of the split tongue into the groove, the sub-tongues         remaining in a partially restored configuration after insertion,         the partially restored configuration and the angled catches         combining to reduce the space between the first and second         construction elements.

The present disclosure further still provides a system, wherein the sub-tongues are biased away from each other at rest.

The present disclosure further still provides a system, wherein the split tongue and the grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of the first and second construction elements such that the flexing of the flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to the line.

The present disclosure further still provides a system, wherein the support is configured such as to limit entry of the split tongue into the groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of examples only with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of a prior art tongue and groove joint with lateral insertion;

FIGS. 2A 5 and 2B are side views of the prior art with the split tongue of the present connector replacing the solid tongue of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of the split tongue of FIGS. 2A and 2B where both members are shown flexing;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue restoring force with a bulk elastic material;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue restoring force with a strip spring material;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a grooved tongue with a locking catch and groove with locking step for receiving the locking catch;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show the grooved tongue with locking catches of FIG. 6 entering the groove with locking steps;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a prior art auxiliary connector;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having split or grooved tongues;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the auxiliary connector having split or grooved tongues of FIG. 9 inserted into a left panel;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues inserted into both a left and right panel;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 as it is being inserted into a left and a right panel;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongues in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 installed in both first and second panel grooves;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongue in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 17 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in both first and second panel grooves of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with tongue in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21 installed in both first and second panel grooves of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be integrated into a construction element to receive and hold a split or grove tongue auxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 25 integrated into the edge of a construction element;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 25 integrated into the edge of a construction element with the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 laterally inserted into and holding onto the channel in the auxiliary groove;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG, 25 integrated into the edge of a first construction element with the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted into the channel in the auxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of the auxiliary connector laterally inserted into and holding onto the channel of a second auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a second construction element;

FIG. 29 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be integrated into a construction element to receive and hold a split or grooved tongue auxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 29 integrated into the underside of a construction element;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 29 integrated into the edge of a construction element with the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into and holding onto the channel in the auxiliary groove;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG, 29 integrated into the edge of a first construction element with the auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into the channel in the auxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of the auxiliary connector normally inserted into and holding onto the channel of a second auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a second construction element;

FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a vertical projection on the left side adhesively connected to a channel in the bottom surface of a first construction element and a split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in the bottom surface of a second construction element;

FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality of vertical support struts on the left side adhesively connected to a lateral channel in a first construction element and a split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in an edge of a second construction element;

FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a full tongue on the left side which may be adhesively connected to a lateral channel in a first construction element and a split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in a second construction element where a plurality of vertical support struts are located between the full tongue and the split tongue;

FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality of horizontal struts which project up on the left side and which are connected to a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a first construction element and a split tongue on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a second construction element; and

FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove integrated into a first construction element which is adapted to receive and hold a block extender and a split or grove tongue auxiliary connector integrated into the block extender and a second construction element.

Similar references used in different Figures denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally stated, the non-limitative illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a connector and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements, more specifically building panels, floating floors, concrete block, concrete brick, concrete tile floors or walls, or the like. The connector and system of the present disclosure provides a viable, robust, split tongue connector that can be cheaply extruded, designed to be of a uniform cross section while remaining very robust. This makes the connector inexpensive to produce and is a real competitive advantage over the prior art.

The connector is also designed to be inserted into either a side or the bottom of a construction element; this allows, for example, the affixing of wooden or plastic nosing to a countertop, push trim onto vinyl windows, affix decorative panels to wall and ceiling surfaces, etc.

The connector is further designed such as to pull abutting construction elements ever so closer, allowing it to absorb tolerance errors in the grooves of the construction elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown side views of a prior art tongue and groove joint prior to and after being joined together with lateral insertion. Typically, the adjacent edges 10, 12 of building panels 14, 16 must be held in good alignment normal to the panel faces 18, 20, e.g., in floating laminate flooring, so that the assembled panels appear to form a contiguous flat front or top surface. This alignment and holding is typically achieved by means of a tongue 22 and groove 24 joint. In many cases the holding feature of the tongue to its groove is accomplished solely by friction between the tongue and groove surfaces, while in other instances the holding action can be augmented with the use of adhesives or by shaping the tongue and its mating groove to provide a mechanical locking feature.

The panels used in flooring typically have two relatively flat surfaces: the upper surface 18, 20, which is the surface typically walked on, and a lower surface 26, the surface which is in contact with the surface supporting the floor. The panels typically have four edge surfaces (two side edge surfaces and two end edge surfaces), that are typically perpendicular to the upper surface where the two side edge surfaces are relatively long and parallel to each other; and the other two edge surfaces that are relatively short and similarly parallel to each other. The result is a panel which is typically long and narrow.

Typically a groove such as groove 24 is formed in a long side and short end edge, and tongues 22 are formed on the long side and short end edges opposite those on which the grooves are formed. The panels are assembled so that the groove on the edge of one panel mates with the tongue on the edge of its adjacent panel; and typically the tongues and grooves join adjacent panels on both their long and short edges.

Typically, forming the tongues on the long and short side edges of a panel creates a loss of between 2% to 5% of saleable panel face surface.

The present disclosure is directed toward providing a new improved apparatus, method and system of joining panels together which eases the installation of the tongue in the groove, and eliminates the loss in saleable surface material associated with the formation of a tongue on the side and end edges of a panel. In another embodiment, the present disclosure also provides improved apparatus, method and system of joining other construction materials, e.g., concrete brick, concrete block, and concrete tile.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are shown side views of a split or grooved tongue 28 having a first projection 30, a second projection 32 and a space 34 there between. The tongue 28 is similar to the tongue 22 of FIG. 1A except for the addition of a groove 34 (or grooves) formed in the tongue parallel to the direction of insertion.

The front or top surface of each panel 14, 16 is the decorative face of the panel that is exposed to view, while the rear surface 26 is the normally unfinished surface that faces the support structure. The tongue edge 10 is the panel edge that remains after the panel tongue is formed and the groove edge 12 is the panel edge that remains after the panel groove is formed. The groove 34 that is formed into the tongue is called the tongue groove to differentiate it from the groove 24 in the panel which is called the panel groove. Formation of a tongue with one or more grooves provides a tongue with two or more sub-tongues 30, 32 which adjoin the tongue groove 34, or grooves.

As a consequence of their reduced thickness, the sub-tongues 30, 32 are able to flex in a direction that is normal to the tongue axis as shown in FIG. 3. The force that the sub-tongues exert to resist flexing is denoted as the sub-tongue restoring force. In applications where the sub-tongue restoring force is inadequate, it can be augmented by the installation of a spring element into the tongue groove.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of both members of the split tongue.

Referring to FIG. 4, a spring element 36 is provided by a section of bulk elastic material such as rubber or Viton which is inserted between the sub-tongues.

In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, a restoring force is provided by using a spring element in the form of a U-shaped element 38 which can be made of a spring material such as steel, polyvinylchloride (PVC) or the like.

In another embodiment, a grooved tongue can be used to hold the tongue in place in its groove. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of a split or grooved tongue with a locking catch and a groove with a locking step for receiving the tongue. The tongue 40 in FIG. 6 is designed with a catch 46 at the end of sub-tongues 44; and the mating panel groove 48 is designed with an engaging step 50 at the distal end on its upper and lower surfaces. The manner in which the catch interacts with the groove to hold the tongue in place is shown in the installation views shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C. As seen in FIG. 7B, during installation, the sub-tongues flex towards the center of the tongue groove to allow the sub-tongue catches to slide over the narrow region of the panel groove. As seen in FIG. 7C, once the catches have passed the edges of the groove, the sub-tongues snap back toward their expanded condition and the sub-tongue catches 46 engage panel groove steps 50.

It is clear that if the panel facing edge of the catches and the panel facing vertical edge of the groove steps in FIG. 6 are exactly perpendicular to the axis of the tongue, then a large lateral space between the panel edges of the adjoining panels would have to be left in the finished panel surface to accommodate the unavoidable tongue and groove fabrication tolerances.

The size of the lateral space required to allow for fabrication tolerances can be reduced by forming the sub-tongue catch edges at an angle “a” that is normal to the tongue axis, as shown in FIG. 6, which will allow the distance between the sub-tongue catch edge and the panel groove step edge to vary by “b” which effectively reduces the lateral space between adjoining panels. The choice of the angle “a” is a trade between the ability to accommodate dimensional variations and how securely the tongue is held in the groove.

The angle “c” of the groove step edge is typically 90° but if can be either more or less than 90°.

However, regardless of how easy the split tongue makes installation of the tongue in the groove, or how securely the tongue is held in the groove after installation, the geometries described above do not eliminate the loss of saleable panel surface that results from the fabrication a tongue which is integral with the edge of a panel. It is known that the loss of panel surface material can, however, be avoided by the use of an auxiliary connector such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,486 to Pervan.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary connector disclosed by Pervan. The tongue (and its lost surface material) on a panel edge is replaced with a groove similar to that on the panels opposite edge; and the connector is fabricated with two opposite facing tongues. As shown in FIG. 8, the right panel 52 has a groove 54 and the left panel 56 has a groove 58 where the panels 52, 56 are joined with an auxiliary connector 60 having a left facing tongue and a right facing tongue. As seen in the FIG. 8, after the two panels are joined, the auxiliary connector is completely hidden from view.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary connector having right and left split or grooved tongues where each sub-tongue has a catch which is provided to engage the connector at its right and left mating panels. More specifically, the auxiliary connector which is symmetrical about its center vertical axis includes left and right upper 60 and lower 62 sub-tongues separated by a tongue groove 64, and each sub-tongue has a catch 66 at its end. Located between the left and right sub-tongues is one or a plurality of panel upper vertical support struts 68 and one or a plurality of lower vertical support struts 70. An additional function of the support struts 68, 70 is to facilitate the desired alignment of the panels relative to each other in an assembly.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues inserted into a left panel, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues inserted into both left and right panels. FIG. 12 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 as it is being inserted into left and right panels.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the front surface 18 of the panel 14 that extends over the panel groove 48 forms a relatively weak cantilever element. The panel edge vertical support struts 68, 70 serve to support this relatively weak cantilever element by transferring the load applied to it at the panel face from there to the support surface supporting the panel.

Referring to FIG. 12, the left side of FIG. 12 shows the grooved tongue auxiliary connector just starting to be inserted into a panel groove, and the right side of FIG. 12 shows the grooved tongue auxiliary connector partially inserted into its panel groove.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show the grooved tongue auxiliary connector in which the auxiliary connector tongue is inserted into its mating panel grooves in the lateral direction, i.e., in the plane of the panel surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in accordance with the principles of the disclosure where the grooved tongue auxiliary connector is adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panel surface.

The auxiliary connector of FIG. 13 is symmetrical about its centrally located vertical axis and includes left and right first sub-tongues 70 having sub-tongue catches 72, left and right second sub-tongues 74 having sub-tongue catches 76.

The left and right first and second sub-tongues can be composed of, for example, a plastic such as PVC or a metal such as steel, bronze, etc., and extend outward from the same side of support member 80.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 13 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Panel groove 86 includes two steps 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catches 72, 76 as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, a clearance channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the part of support member 80 which is located between two grooved or split tongues.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or grooved tongue of FIG. 13 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 14 of a panel 14 and awaiting installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 72, 76 engage the panel groove steps 88 and support member 80 is located in clearance channel 90. Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 13 installed in a panel groove formed into a second panel 16.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in accordance with the principles of the disclosure where the grooved tongue auxiliary connector is adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panel surface.

The left grooved or split tongue consists of left, non-flexing, sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with tongue groove 96 between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The right grooved or split tongue consists of right, non-flexing, sub-tongue 94 and right flexing sub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98 between them and catch 72 on sub-tongue 70.

Referring to FIG. 18 there is shown a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 17 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Partial panel groove 86 includes a single step 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catch 76 as shown in FIG. 17. In addition groove 100 is provided to receive sub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 17; and a clearance channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the part of support member 80 from which the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 17 project.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with grooved tongues of FIG. 17 installed in the panel grooves of FIG. 18 of a panel 102 and awaiting installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 76 engages the panel partial groove step 88 and support member 80 is located in clearance channel 90. The right side non-flexible sub-tongue 92 presses on the side of right side of panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 of flexible sub-tongue 74 in contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 18.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18 formed in panels 102, with the right grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18 formed in panels 104. The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the panel partial groove step 88. The left side of right side non-flexible sub-tongue 94 presses on the left side of panel groove 100 to hold catch 72 of flexible sub-tongue 70 in contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector with two tongues in accordance with the principles of the disclosure where the auxiliary connector is adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panel surface.

The left grooved or split tongue consists of left, non-flexing, sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with tongue groove 96 between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The right grooved or split tongue consists of right, non-flexing, sub-tongue 94 and flexing sub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98 between them and catch 72 on sub-tongue 70.

Referring to FIG. 22 there is shown a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 21 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Partial panel groove 86 includes a single step 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catch 76 as shown in FIG. 21. In addition groove 100 is provided to receive sub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 21; and a clearance channel 90 is provided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the part of support member 80 from which the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 21 project.

Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with grooved tongues of FIG. 21 installed in the panel grooves of FIG. 22 of a panel 102 and awaiting installation of a second adjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 76 engages the panel partial groove step 88 and support member 80 is located in clearance channel 90 of FIG. 22. The left side nonflexible sub-tongue 92 presses on the left side of partial panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 of flexible sub-tongue 74 in contact with step 88 of panel groove 86 in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a side view of the auxiliary connector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22 formed in panel 102, with the right grooved tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22 formed in panel 104. The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the panel partial groove step 88. The right side non-flexible sub-tongue 94 presses on the right side of panel groove 100 to hold catch 72 of flexible sub-tongue 70 in contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 25, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary groove containing member 106 able to be integrated into the edge of a construction element such as a concrete brick or a concrete block or a concrete tile. The auxiliary groove containing member would preferable be extruded in long lengths in a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or in a metal such as brass or aluminum. It could also be cast in shorter lengths.

If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or concrete block or concrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a material in a mold, the auxiliary groove containing member can be integrated into the element as part of the fabrication process. Alternatively, a suitable groove containing member can be incorporated into the edge of the construction element and the auxiliary groove containing member adhesively integrated into the element after it is formed (either at the element fabrication site or, later, when the element is at a construction site.).

The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made to mate with a connector such as that shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 25, the groove 48 has sides 111 which serve to flex the sub-tongues of the auxiliary connector until the catches 66 on the auxiliary connector in FIG. 9 pass the steps 50 at the distal end of the groove in FIG, 25. The tapered regions 110 of the groove 48 may or may not be present and serve to make it easier to install the auxiliary connector into the groove. The flat regions 112 at the entrance of groove 48 server to act with the vertical leg or legs 68, 70 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 9 to transfer forces from the top to the bottom of the connector. Steps (or alternatively inclined surfaces) 108 in FIG. 25 serve to hold the auxiliary connector firmly in the edge of the construction element.

Referring to FIG. 26 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliary groove 5 containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is shown integrated into the edge of a construction element 114.

Referring to FIG. 27 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliary groove containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is integrated into the edge of a construction element 114 from FIG. 26, with the left split or grooved tongue of the lateral auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted into and held by the interaction of catches 66 of FIG. 9 with the steps 50 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 25.

Referring to FIG. 28 there is shown a side view in which a first construction element 114 with auxiliary groove containing member 106 of FIG. 25 integrated into its edge and having the left split or grooved tongue of auxiliary the lateral connector of FIG. 9 inserted and held into the groove in the auxiliary groove containing member; and has the right split or grooved tongue of the lateral connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted to the groove of an auxiliary groove containing member 106 of FIG. 25 that has been integrated into the left edge of second construction element 116 with auxiliary groove containing member 106 of FIG. 25 integrated into its left edge.

The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four sides (left, right, top and bottom) of a construction element allows the construction elements to be joined so as to form a wall without the need for mortar in between the elements. This should allow walls to be built more quickly in good weather or bad by inexperience workers.

Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the construction elements, this can easily be accommodated by lengthening the connector shown so that a mortar receiving space is left between the right and left or bottom and top edges of the construction element.

In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the connectors should serve to provide a construction that is less prone to failure during earthquakes due to the ability of the auxiliary connectors to flex rather than fracture when strained.

Referring to FIG. 29, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary groove containing member 118 able to be integrated into the flat under surface of a construction element such as a concrete brick or a concrete block or a concrete tile. This auxiliary groove containing member is particularly suited to being attached by mortar to the undersurface of bathroom or other decorative tile. The auxiliary groove containing member would preferable be extruded in long lengths in a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or in a metal such as brass or aluminum. It could also be cast in shorter lengths.

If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or concrete block or concrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a material in a mold, the auxiliary groove containing member can be integrated into the element as part of the fabrication process. Alternatively, a suitable groove can be incorporated into the surface of the construction element and the auxiliary groove element adhesively integrated into the construction element after it is formed (either at the construction element fabrication site or, later, when the construction element is at a construction site.).

The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made to mate with a normal connector such as that shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 29, the groove 48 has sides 122 which serve to flex the sub-tongues of the auxiliary connector until the catches 72 and 76 on the auxiliary connector in FIG. 13 pass the steps 50 at the distal end of the groove 48 in FIG. 29. The tapered regions 120 of the groove 48 may or may not be present and serve to make it easier to install the auxiliary connector into the groove. The region 90 in the auxiliary groove containing member is cut away to provide room for the support leg 80 between the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 13. The top 124 of the step serves to locate the auxiliary connector vertically when it is attached to the back of a tile element.

Referring to FIG. 30 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliary groove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is shown integrated onto the undersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar 128 introduced into the space between the auxiliary groove and the tile.

Referring to FIG. 31 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliary groove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is integrated onto the undersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar 128, with the sub-tongues 70 and 74 of the left split or grooved tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted into and held by the interaction of catches 72 and 76 of FIG. 13 with the steps 50 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 29.

Referring to FIG. 32 there is shown a side view in which a first tile element 126 with auxiliary groove containing member 118 of FIG. 29 integrated into its lower surface and having the left split or grooved tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted and held into the groove 48 in the auxiliary groove; and has the right split or grooved tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted to the groove 48 of an auxiliary groove containing member 118 of FIG. 29 that has been integrated into the lower surface of second tile element 130 with auxiliary groove 118 of FIG. 29 integrated into its lower surface.

The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four under-surfaces (left, right, top and bottom) of a construction element allows the construction elements to be joined so as to form a wall without the need for mortar in between the elements. This should allow walls to be built more quickly in good weather or bad by inexperienced workers.

Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the construction elements, this can easily be accommodated by lengthening the connector 80 in FIG. 13 between the left and right split or grooved tongues so that space to receive mortar is left between the right and left or bottom and top edges of the construction element.

In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the connectors should serve to provide a construction that is less prone to failure during earthquakes due to the ability of the auxiliary connectors to flex rather than fracture when strained.

FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a vertical projection 140 on the left side adhesively connected to a channel in the bottom surface of a first construction element 142 and a split tongue 144 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in the bottom surface of a second construction element 146.

FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality of vertical support struts 150 on the left side adhesively connected to a lateral channel in a first construction element 152 and a split tongue 154 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in a second construction element 156. The s 5 mall projection in the lateral channel in the first construction element may be eliminated when a similar small projection is present on the end support strut.

FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a full tongue 158 on the left side which may be adhesively connected to a lateral channel in a first construction element 160 and a split tongue 162 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in a second construction element 164 where the auxiliary connector has a plurality of vertical support struts 166 located between the full tongue 158 and the split tongue 162.

FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality of horizontal struts 190 which project up on the left side and which are connected to a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a first construction element 192 and a split tongue 194 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a second construction element 196.

FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove 180 integrated into a first construction element 182 which is adapted to receive and hold a block extender 184 which is locked to the auxiliary groove with a split of grove tongue 186, and an auxiliary connector 188 having a split or grove tongue at each of its ends for connecting the block extender 184 to a second auxiliary groove 190 in a second construction element 192.

In the various embodiments disclosed therein, the connector includes one or more split tongues, or tongue elements, where each sub-tongue 60, 62, 70, 74 is provided with an angled catch 66, 72, 76 which is configured to engage the connector with a mating panel. The tongue elements are made of sufficiently elastic material so as to allow the sub-tongues 60, 62, 70, 74, which at rest are biased away from each other, to flex toward each other during insertion into the panel groove 48, 86, 100 and to constantly exert outward pressure on the groove steps 50, 88 after insertion, the panel groove 48, 86, 100 dimensions not allowing the sub-tongues 60, 62, 70, 74 to be fully restored. This, combined with the angle of the sub-tongue catches 66, 72, 76, provides for the continued pulling of the connector into the panel groove 48, 86, 100, which continued entry is limited by the vertical support struts 68, 70 or the support member 80. The depth of the panel groove 48, 86, 100 is such that the sub-tongues 60, 62, 70, 74 do not enter into contact with its bottom end when the connector is fully engaged therein. This, combined with the continued pulling of the connector into the panel groove 48, 86, 100, allows for the absorption of tolerance errors in the panel groove 48, 86, 100.

Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity and by way of an illustrative embodiments and examples thereof, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elements each having a groove therein, comprising: a support; at least one split tongue extending from said support, said split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging steps located in said groove; wherein said sub-tongues are flexed toward each other during insertion of said split tongue into said groove, said sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored configuration after insertion, said partially restored configuration and said angled catches combining to reduce the space between said abutting construction elements.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein said sub-tongues are biased away from each other at rest.
 3. The connector of claim 1, wherein said split tongue and said grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of said abutting construction elements such that the flexing of said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein said support is configured such as to limit entry of said split tongue into said groove.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein said split tongue and said grooves run parallel to a line formed by a common joint of said abutting construction elements such that the flexing of said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein said split tongue extends from said support such as to be inserted into an edge of said abutting construction elements in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by said common joint.
 7. The connector of claim 5, wherein said support includes at least one vertical support strut configured to support a top surface of said abutting construction elements after insertion into said groove.
 8. The connector of claim 5, comprising two split tongues extend from said support in opposite directions.
 9. The connector of claim 5, wherein said split tongue extends from said support such as to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of said abutting construction elements.
 10. The connector of claim 9, comprising a plurality of said split tongues extending from said support in a common direction.
 11. A system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements, comprising: a first and second construction elements each having therein a groove containing steps; a connector comprising: a support; at least one split tongue extending from said support, said split tongue including flexible sub-tongues having angled catches for engaging said steps of said first and second construction elements; wherein said sub-tongues are flexed toward each other during insertion of said split tongue into said groove, said sub-tongues remaining in a partially restored configuration after insertion, said partially restored configuration and said angled catches combining to reduce the space between said first and second construction elements.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said sub-tongues are biased away from each other at rest.
 13. The connector of claim 11, wherein said split tongue and said grooves run parallel to a line formed by the common joint of said first and second construction elements such that the flexing of said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein said support is configured such as to limit entry of said split tongue into said groove.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein said split tongue and said grooves run parallel to a line formed by a common joint of said first and second construction elements such that the flexing of said flexible sub-tongues is perpendicular to said line, and wherein said support is configured such as to limit entry of said split tongue into said groove.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said split tongue extends from said support such as to be inserted into an edge of said first or second construction elements in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by said common joint.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein said support includes at least one vertical support strut configured to support a top surface of said first and second construction elements after insertion into said groove.
 18. The system of claim 17, comprising a channel between said groove and said edge for receiving a portion of said support.
 19. The system of claim 15, comprising two split tongues extend from said support in opposite directions.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein said split tongue extends from said support such as to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of said first and second construction elements.
 21. The system of claim 20, comprising a plurality of said split tongues extending from said support in a common direction.
 22. The system of claim 15, wherein said groove comprises a tapered portion such that said groove is at its narrowest at said steps.
 23. The system of claim 15, wherein said groove of at least one of said first and second construction elements is formed into an auxiliary groove containing member adapted to be integrated into said at least one of said first and second construction elements.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein said groove comprises a tapered portion such that said groove is at its narrowest at said steps. 